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HRA calls for volunteers for committee

Brainerd looks for participants in a plan for the city’s interaction with the Mississippi River. Suggestions for the 2-mile section of the river in Brainerd include public gathering areas for festivals, improved river access, a riverfront plaza, a multi-purpose bridge crossing and a river education center, as well as possible redevelopment opportunities. Renee Richardson/Brainerd Dispatch

The Brainerd Housing and Redevelopment Authority is looking for people to serve on a committee regarding Brainerd's Mississippi River Partnership Plan.

The vision is to take the next step to implement some of the recommendations from the University of Minnesota Center for Rural Design's Mississippi River Partnership Plan, which was approved by the Brainerd City Council on June 1.

Suggestions for the two-mile section of the river include public gathering areas for festivals, improved river access, a riverfront plaza, a multi-purpose bridge crossing and a river education center, as well as possible redevelopment opportunities.

The Brainerd HRA will be managing the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation Community Challenge Grant awarded to the city of Brainerd. The $100,000 grant provides $33,000 for three years for a riverfront project coordinator, which the HRA will hire.

In addition, the HRA will appoint seven to nine members to serve on a new Mississippi Riverfront Sub-Committee. The project coordinator will refine the goals and objectives identified in the plan creating more measurable goals and the sub-committee will provide oversight and assistance as the plan moves ahead.

"Brainerd has a unique opportunity to create a riverfront destination for local residents and visitors to the area," council member Chip Borkenhagen said in a news release. "With several miles of riverfront beauty, we're excited about the possibilities for the community."

"Revitalization of the riverfront will take dedication from a collection of individuals to serve on the sub-committee who can give ideas, time, and resources," said Jennifer Bergman, Brainerd HRA executive director. "We're looking for people who are interested in being a part of this exciting opportunity for our community."

Applications found at www.brainerdhra.org/news-events may be mailed to the Brainerd HRA by July 23 to Brainerd HRA, Attn: Jennifer Bergman, Executive Director, 324 East River Road, Brainerd, MN 56401.